READING AND AUDITION NOTICE FOR BLACKBIRD BY DAVID HARROWER – OPENING SHOW OF 2027

 

BLACKBIRD

BY DAVID HARROWER

DIRECTOR: Chris Gilbey-Smith

PERFORMANCE DATES: 20th – 30th January 2027

REHEARSALS WILL COMMENCE LATE NOVEMBER/EARLY DECEMBER 2026.

There will be a reading of the play on 16th July 2026 so that those interested can hear the text come off the page and then make a judgement whether they wish to go forward to the audition on 19th July 2026.

This will be an opportunity to hear the play aloud, explore the material in a supportive environment, ask questions about the production, and gain a fuller understanding of the themes and challenges of the work before auditions.

READING: Thursday 16 July at 7.30 p.m. at the theatre.

AUDITION: Sunday 19 July at 11 a.m. at the theatre

THE PLAY

Winner of the 2007 Olivier Award for Best New Play, Blackbird is one of the most compelling and controversial dramas of the modern theatre.

Fifteen years ago, Una and Ray shared a relationship that resulted in devastating consequences: a prison sentence for him and years of emotional turmoil for her. Having not seen one another since, Una tracks Ray down at his workplace, forcing both of them to confront a past neither has truly escaped.

Set over the course of a single, tense encounter, David Harrower’s extraordinary play explores memory, responsibility, trauma, guilt, desire, and the lasting impact of abuse. Refusing easy answers, Blackbird challenges both its audience and its performers with remarkable emotional honesty and complexity.

Please note: This play contains themes of child sexual abuse, grooming, trauma, strong language, and discussions of sexual relationships. It is intended for mature audiences.

THE PLAY

“This is the most lacerating play on Broadway this season.”

— The Guardian (2016 Broadway revival starring Michelle Williams and Jeff Daniels)

“Michelle Williams and Jeff Daniels stun in abuse drama.”

— The Guardian

“Blackbird is a dazzling piece of writing—spare and brutal and frank.”

— The Observer

“Harrower has the focus of a songwriter, and his exquisitely wrought monologues are like odes to Una and Ray’s power struggles, desires, and elisions.”

— The New Yorker

THE CHARACTERS 

UNA

Playing Age: 27–35

Una has spent fifteen years attempting to make sense of a relationship that altered the course of her life forever. Intelligent, fiercely articulate, and emotionally complex, she arrives determined to confront the man she once loved and now struggles to understand.

This role demands exceptional emotional range, stamina, and vulnerability. Una is neither victim nor avenger in simplistic terms; she is a deeply human woman searching for truth, accountability, and perhaps something she cannot entirely name.

RAY

Playing Age: 50–60

Having served a prison sentence and built a new life under a different name, Ray has tried to bury his past. Practical, guarded, and deeply conflicted, he is confronted by the sudden reappearance of Una and forced to reckon with choices he cannot undo.

Ray is a profoundly challenging role requiring nuance, intelligence, and emotional honesty. The play does not ask the audience to excuse him, but rather to witness a man attempting to understand the consequences of his actions.

AUDITION GUIDELINES

For the audition you will be asked to perform different parts of the text with other auditionees. Text will be provided on the day and you will be given time to read through and prepare. Do try to arrive on time so that you don’t miss lots of useful information about the play and being part of the production.

Due to the sensitive nature of the material, performers are encouraged to carefully consider the themes of the play before auditioning. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive rehearsal environment, and appropriate wellbeing and safeguarding practices will be in place throughout the rehearsal process.

Blackbird is a rare piece of theatre: challenging, provocative, heartbreaking, and deeply human. It offers two actors an extraordinary opportunity to explore some of the most complex and rewarding roles in contemporary drama.

We look forward to welcoming you to the read-through and auditions.

The reading and the audition will be held at the theatre. Please come to the Stage Door at the rear of the theatre in Spencer’s Yard. There is access through the gate to the left of The Fold on Spencer Street. A Loft sign on the gate indicates the direction into the yard. The Fold is the large white building with pillars. Head in the direction of the red arrow across Spencer’s Yard to the Stage Door in the corner. The words ‘Stage Door’ are painted on the wall.

 

 

 

To register interest, or if you are interested but can’t make the dates, or for any more information, please get in touch with the director, Chris Gilbey-Smith at chrisgilbeysmith@lofttheatrecompany.com

CASTING POLICY

The Loft’s casting policy is centred on casting the very best actors for each role. Casting will always be open and neutral. Everyone is welcome and warmly encouraged to attend auditions.  If specific race/ethnicity or other characteristics are central to the story, we will make this clear in audition notices. There is no pre-casting without the express permission of the Artistic Director. We no longer have membership subscriptions. It is free to join our company.